# Hyper Water Repellent Fabrics The Lotus Effect By Michael Plishka | Published 2008-11-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/most-water-repellent-fabric-textiles-silicone-nanofibers References: [newscientist](http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16126-nanotech-clothing-fabric-never-gets-wet.html) Researchers at the [University of Zurich](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-tubes) have developed a way to mimic the [Lotus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nestle-easter-products)-Effect and make a [hyper-waterproof fabric](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/montane-phase). A jacket made with this technology and submerged for two months comes out as dry as the day it was submerged. The fabric is a polyester base coated with silicone nanofibers. According to Lead Researcher Stefan Seeger, “The combination of the hydrophobic surface chemistry and the nanostructure of the coating results in the super-hydrophobic effect... The water comes to rest on the top of the nanofilaments like a fakir sitting on a bed of nails.” This material lends itself to self-cleaning materials, low drag swim suits and anything else where keeping dry or trapping micro-pockets of air might be of use. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 61% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Hyper-waterproof Fabrics:** Opportunity for the development of innovative waterproof materials for various applications. - **Self-cleaning Materials:** Potential for the creation of self-cleaning surfaces in various industries. - **Low Drag Swim Suits:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for the swimwear industry with the development of low drag fabrics. ### Who This Affects Most - **Textile Industry:** Innovation potential for manufacturers to create hyper-waterproof fabrics. - **Cleaning Industry:** Opportunity to develop self-cleaning materials for cleaning products and surfaces. - **Sports Apparel Industry:** Potential for swimwear companies to create low drag swim suits using advanced fabric technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hydrophobic Technical Tees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/technical-tee.md) - [PFAS-Free Anti-Wicking Finishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-theme-technologies-launched.md) - [Salvaged Spacecraft Material Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-aerogel-jacket.md) - [Space-Tech Insulated Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elysium-blue-jacket.md) - [Unsinkable Metal Vessel Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aluminum-tubes.md) - [Non-Fogging Nano-Thin Gold Layers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eth-zurich.md) - [Highly Durable Full-Metal Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/full-metal-jacket.md) - [Graphene-Infused Puffer Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vollebak-double-graphene-lightweight-puffer.md) - [Durable Cotton-Enhancing Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cottonworks.md)